As all Dance Moms fans know, Gianna Martello as the choreographer behind the amazing dance pieces. We talked about her process, challenges, and her inspiration.
You trained under Abby Lee Miller at the ALDC from a very young age. You were even part of the Junior Elite Team that toured the country for competitions. How did your experience prepare you for your work on Dance Moms?
I’ve trained and worked with Abby for over 20 years now. I know what she likes and what she doesn’t like. She wants what she wants. I feel like I can read her mind and choreograph and create exactly what she she envisions, with my own twist on it.
Dance Moms is currently in its seventh season. You have choreographed some of the most amazing pieces throughout the years. What inspires your creativity? What keeps it flowing?
The kids stay so positive and work so hard. They are always ready and willing to jump on some new choreography. We’ve done hundreds of routines but it definitely helps that we have kids, and myself, that absolutely love what we do.
Maddie Ziegler is one of your breakout stars. She has made several big appearances, such as starring in Sia’s music video for “Chandelier” and performing with Sia on Ellen. How did you help prepare her for the professional world?
I always knew Maddie would be something big. She has a mind and an eye that you don’t see often in kids. She is mature well beyond her years. Maddie and I worked on solo after solo after solo, and every time I would challenge her with something more difficult than the week before she would come back showing me the choreography better than I ever imagined it looking.
Tell us about your choreography process.
It all happens very fast on Dance Moms. I go to a creative meeting on Tuesdays and we decide who is dancing, what our themes are, costumes and music. We get about a day and a half (6 or 7 hours in TV time) to create all the pieces for the week. I start with the group; I let the girls listen to the music and move around to see how their bodies feel the music. After that, we do a main, middle group dance section. I usually choreograph through to the end, and then go back to the beginning.
What is the most common challenge in choreographing a piece?
Probably choreographing pieces that showcase that specific dancer. I was always taught that if you don’t do something well, don’t put it in the routine. If someone is not a turner, don’t flood the routine with turns. If someone has great musicality, find a piece of music that allows that kid to showcase that.
How do you overcome the challenges?
Get to know your dancer. Let them come in and tell you what they do well and what their best angles for jumps or legs are. Collaborate with what they already know and create.
If you had an opportunity to start a new venture, what would it be? Why?
I’m really into fashion so probably my own clothing line… or even my own dance wear line!
What is next in your career?
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